Police Watchdog Orders Probe into Handling of 'Putney Pusher' Suspect's Death

The Metropolitan Police's professional standards unit will investigate the force's handling of the case involving Nicholas Brandram, who died on September 15. The decision comes from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the UK's police watchdog.

Brandram, 44, was under suspicion in connection with the May 2017 incident where a woman was pushed into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge. His family stated that he took his own life due to the "immense pressure" of the police investigation and asserted he was not the individual responsible for the incident, often referred to as the "Putney pusher."

The Metropolitan Police made a mandatory referral to the IOPC following Brandram's death. After reviewing the referral, the IOPC determined an investigation was necessary.

The recommended scope of the review includes assessing the necessity and proportionality of Brandram's arrest, the extent of media engagement during the investigation, and the considerations made regarding Mr. Brandram's welfare and relevant police policies. The IOPC stated that if the Metropolitan Police's internal investigation does not uncover any potential misconduct, the final report must be submitted to the IOPC for its review.

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles acknowledged the strain that being subjected to a police investigation can impose. He confirmed that the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards would conduct the internal probe. The investigation into the 2017 Putney Bridge incident itself remains ongoing, according to the force.